D-Day 80 Martin Freeman reads a moving and important letter from Joe Mines

 Mr. Freeman opened the ceremony of the anniversary of D-day.

80 years and sadly still so very up to date.

Mr. Freeman read the letter of Joe Mines, a veteran who was present, which made it even more significant, if this is even possible.

I will for once not raving about Mr. Freeman's ability to create an immensely moving moment, you can see that below, and the numerous comments on social media channels are full of praise and respect.

Let Mr. Freeman speak and see it for yourself, that we indeed need to remember, and hopefully to prevent even more brutality in the world.

Our past becomes more and more our future, and therefore these events and remembrance is our responsibility.

Thank you for your service and for being a constant reminder, that we cannot forget how fragile it can be, and what we owe these men and women.

Martin Freeman begins the service by reading the memories of Joe Mines, second Battalion Essex regiment, who landed on the beach at Normandy 80 years ago and who is present at today's ceremony.

"Joe Mines, clearing mines. One of our fellows trod on one and blew his leg off. The whole leg went. War is brutal," he says.

"I was 19 when I landed, but I was still a boy. I don't care what people say, I wasn't a man, I was a boy. And I didn't have any idea of war of war and killing.

"I want to pay my respects to those who didn't make it. May they rest in peace."

Special thank you to Modern Collective via IG for two clips. Here is the directions link

And huge thanks to the always wonderful @safedistancefrombeingsmart for being a constant supporter of this blog, an amazing person and the Sherlock Holmes of the Freeman community.

There are no news out there she couldn't find.

Thank you!